In a world where branding is increasingly becoming important, a total change of name after marriage is an option a lot of people are abandoning. Since the expectation is that you will take a new identity and name, most people opt to Hyphenate Name after Marriage. It helps you to adopt a new identity while at the same time, maintain your old name.
Hyphenating appears as though it does not fall under the name change procedures. However, you have to go through the procedure of changing your name legally; only this time, you will have two last names that are hyphenated instead of one. The hyphenated name must appear on all official documents for them to be admissible by institutions.
Advantages of Hyphenating
There are numerous options whenever you want to change your name legally after marriage. Those who hyphenate their names have an edge in that you maintain the identity that is known to people you interacted with before the wedding. A person who was using the name for professional purposes will not have to rebrand or will find it easier to rebrand.
A married lady or gentleman has a chance to take on a new identity, as is expected after the wedding. The change does not mean the loss of the old identity, allowing room for continuity. It sounds like having your cake and still eating it since you have your old name while still acquiring a new identity.
The Process Of Hyphenating Your Name Legally
Hyphenating the name still requires you to follow a legal procedure. Once the wedding is over, a certificate will be issued. This marriage license will be crucial because it provides a valid reason for you to change the name.
Present a petition for name change to the office responsible for such services in your area. In some areas, the circuit’s court clerk receives your request. In other areas, the County Probate Court is responsible. You have to file your request at the right office to ease and speed the process of the name change.
The court requires you to present personal information so that police can conduct background checks. A court hearing will be set where you have to appear and defend your application. It is easy if you are changing after marriage since this is an understandable reason.
A public notice is required so that anyone with an objection can file a claim. The announcement is published in local newspapers and proof of publication presented to the court clerk. You may be required to attend court proceedings, or the order may be issued in your absence. The order is presented to all institutions where you need a change of name.
Change of name at the Social Security Office
It is the order permitting Hyphenating last name after marriage by the judge that will be used to change your name at the Social Security Administration. The SSA office should be your first stop when you want to change your name because all other institutions draw their data from the SSA office. You will be required to fill a form capturing your personal information.
The SSA office takes no more than two weeks to process your request. The time taken will depend on whether you filled all the details correctly. The new card is mailed, or you can collect it at the office, based on the instructions you had provided.
The Social Security Number will remain, but your name will change. The process of changing does not affect any other information captured under your name. With a new name appearing at the SSA office and database, you are free to make changes elsewhere.
Changing Your Name Elsewhere
A new name at the Social Security Administration office allows you to proceed with the name change at other institutions. You might want to begin with the Department of Motor Vehicle where a new DL is issued under the new name. There will be charges that come with acquiring a new DL. You might also be required to wait for a day or two for processing of the new license.
Rising cases of identity theft make a formal change of name crucial. It will be difficult to convince a bank manager that you are the same person, only different names. Visit your bank and inform them of the new changes. Your SS card and order from the court are enough proof. Your insurer, mortgage provider and such other institutions should be aware of these changes.
Remember to use your hyphenated name anywhere you are entering your name in records. Once you Hyphenate Name after Marriage, the liberty to use any of the names individually is gone. Prepare for the confusion and difficulty that comes with people who are yet to get used to the new name.
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